R Ashwin Goes Unsold in ILT20 Auction but Hopes Remain

In a surprising turn of events, R Ashwin, renowned for his skill and experience, went unsold in the inaugural ILT20 player auction held in Dubai. Despite being the only player listed with a base price in six figures, he did not attract bids during the auction. The possibility remains that Ashwin could still join the league through wildcard selections, as franchises MI Emirates and Desert Vipers have yet to finalize their wildcard picks.

The auction was not short on excitement, particularly with the Desert Vipers making substantial acquisitions. The team successfully signed Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah, each at a base price of USD 80,000. In a noteworthy bidding war, UAE-born Junaid Siddique exploded onto the scene, with Gulf Giants and Sharjah Warriorz engaging in fierce competition, ultimately leading to a retention by Sharjah for USD 170,000. Notably, the Vipers also added a pair of Afghan players, cementing their international roster with Qais Ahmad and Faridoon Dawoodzai.

Andre Fletcher remarkably secured the highest bid of USD 260,000, marking his fourth consecutive season with MI Emirates. This underscores the intense competition for skilled players in the tournament, which is set to commence on December 2, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. This season will feature six teams battling across 34 matches, weaving a vibrant tapestry of cricketing talent.

With the recent changes and surprises in the auction, cricket enthusiasts are abuzz with anticipation about how these shifts will influence the upcoming ILT20 season. As for Ashwin, the waiting period could prove pivotal in shaping his future within the league.